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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
- Information about medical problems you've had
- Information about the medical problems of your parents and siblings
- All the medications and dietary supplements you take
- Questions you want to ask the doctor
What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness along the back of your thigh. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. Your doctor might also move your injured leg into a variety of positions to help pinpoint which muscle has been injured and whether you also have any ligament or tendon damage.
- Hamstring muscle injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00408. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Vetter CS, et al. Hamstring strain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202267569-2/0/1678/62.html?tocnode=55148419&fromURL=62.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50061-4_982. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Shah A, et al. Hip, pelvis, and thigh. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookPage&isbn=978-1-4160-3143-7&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00021-X. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Heiderscheit BC, et al. Hamstring strain injuries: Recommendations for diagnosis, rehabilitation and injury prevention. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2010;40:67.
- Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- Brooks GP, et al. Musculoskeletal injury in the young athlete: Overview of treatment principles for nonoperative injuries. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Brooks GP, et al. Musculoskeletal injury in the young athlete: Overview of rehabilitation for nonoperative injuries. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Hoskins W, et al. The management of hamstring injury - Part 1: Issues in diagnosis. Manual Therapy. 2005;10:96.
- Hoskins W, et al. Hamstring injury management - Part 2: Treatment. Manual Therapy. 2005;10:180.
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